GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, NL – The latest town council meeting was held on Feb. 13.
Here are the highlights from each committee:

High time to discuss cannabis legalization

With the legalization of cannabis this summer, the public works and planning committee has started discussing how the town will deal with applications for businesses wishing to sell the product.

The committee recommended sale of cannabis be a discretionary use and possibly limited to commercial and industrial zones.
Staff have been asked to do further research and review guidelines from the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation.
The committee also suggested a public consultation on this issue prior to making a final decision.

Garbage regulation violations on the rise

Municipal police in Grand Falls-Windsor have seen numerous garbage regulation violations with residents not having their garbage and recycling covered properly. These violations are continually on the rise.

Police Chief Rus Thibault requested permission to use door hangers with the relevant regulation attached to notify residents they are in violation.
Council approved this process, which will be implemented immediately.

Honoring town’s finest citizens

Plans for the second annual Grand Falls-Winsor Civic Awards May 16 are underway.
Nominations are open to residents of Grand Falls-Windsor and should be based on accomplishments between Jan. 1, 2017 and Dec. 31, 2017.

There are 12 categories, including: Organization of the Year, Team of the Year, Heritage Award, Special Olympic Athlete of the Year, Volunteer of the Year,

Arts & Culture Award, Musician of the year (individual or group), Business of the Year, Athlete of the Year (female), Athlete of the Year (male), Youth of the Year and Citizen of the Year.
Applications can be completed online at grandfallswindsor.com or a hard copy printed from the website and dropped off at town hall no later than March 11, 2018.

Language camp

The Exploits Aboriginal Community Group is planning a Mi’kmaq language camp in October 2018. The group has asked to host this event at the town’s new cross-country ski hut.
Council recommended granting permission to use the facility and will work out a rental agreement after the building is complete and the facility’s rental guidelines and contracts are established.

Reliving the glory days

The Montreal Canadiens Alumni Tour is interested in bringing the event to Grand Falls-Windsor on March 16.

Council had previously decided against booking this event as the cost of $25,000 was too steep.
Since then, alumni tour organizers have said they are still interested in coming to Grand Falls-Windsor. The director of parks and recreation proposed to the group that the town would welcome the show provided there is no cost and all revenue generated would go back to the tour group.
The director also suggested organizers contact the minor hockey association to partner with them.

Honoring indigenous history

Council has agreed to change the name of Centennial Park to Shanawdithit Centennial Park. This name change reflects a monument erected in 1967. Municipal signage will be changed to reflect the new name.